Nzuza channels late mentor in sensational season
The nine-year old won the one mile race in her age group at the Thembisa Mile on October 26.
The late Isaac Ndlovu’s passing still weighs heavily on East Athletic Club (EAC) middle-distance sensation Dineo Nzuza.
The youngster could not hold back her emotions when asked who she wanted to thank for her breakout season, which includes wins in her age group’s mile races at the Thembisa Mile and Daveyton Street Mile.
“I miss him a lot. Coach Isaac was my mentor and integral to my growth and development. I thank him for how he moulded me into the runner I am today.”
While the nine-year-old owes her development to Ndlovu, it’s her relentless work ethic that sets her apart. That determination was on full display during the CGA Sub Youth Track and Field League meeting three at the Germiston Stadium on November 1.
Beaming with pride as she stepped off the track, she had every reason to smile after clocking 01:56.88 to win her U9 girls’ 600m heat. She said the race served as preparation for next month’s nationals in Potchefstroom, where she’s aiming for nothing less than a podium finish.
Also Read: Mokoena powers to victory at Daveyton Street Mile
“It was a good race, but the goal is to go to the Athletics South Africa (ASA) sub-youth track and field champs on December 5 and 6. I won’t go there to make the numbers. I want to finish on the podium,” said Nzuza.
The Daveyton resident started running at age five. She has already achieved her provincial colours, having represented the CGA several times.
Some of her recent successes include winning the girls’ U10 mile race in 05:59 at the Thembisa Mile on October 26 and representing the CGA at the ASA cross-country champs in Middleburg in September, where she clocked 08:21 for 18th place in the U9 girls’ 2km.
“Athletics is fun, especially when I win. I love distance running. When you run, you have to pace yourself correctly. You can’t just take off with speed. You will get tired. I pace myself nicely at the start, then gradually picks up speed before kicking towards the end.”
Nzuza is inspired by sprinters Akani Simbine and Bayanda Walaza because “they’ve made me realise that hard work pays off”.
Looking ahead, the Central Gauteng athlete aspires to make Ndlovu proud by donning the green and gold on the global stage.
“I want to be known globally. I want to represent our country at the Olympics and World Athletics Championships.”
Also Read: EAC’s Nzuza victorious at the Thembisa Mile
